On Friday evening – March 28 th – General Motors announced two additional recalls, bringing the automaker’s total up to 4.8 million recalls in the first three months of 2014 – six times the number of vehicles recalled in all of 2013.
The first recall affects 490,000 popular late-model pickup trucks and SUVs:
- 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
The recalls were prompted by defects with the transmission cooling lines, which were not secured properly in fittings. This can cause transmission oil to leak from fittings. Leaked oil can hit hot surfaces and cause fires. According to officials from GM, there have only been three known fires and no injuries.
An additional recall announced Friday night affects 172,000 compact cars due to a defect with the right front axle shaft that can cause the shaft to fracture and separate while driving. Shaft fractures can cause wheels to lose power without warning. Several dozen shaft fractures have been reported, but GM has stated that there are no known accidents or injuries. Vehicles affected by this recall include:
- 2013 Chevrolet Cruze with 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines
- 2014 Chevrolet Cruze with 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines
GM announced that dealers will correct the defects at no cost to owners.
Holding Automakers Accountable
The new announcement comes after a string of recalls that have crippled GM’s image and consumer trust. Previous recalls have involved a notorious ignition switch problem in compact cars where the ignition switch can move out of the “run” position, resulting in electrical failure or the engine turning off. Numerous injuries and a total of 13 deaths have been linked to accidents involving the ignition switch defect. Investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that GM knew of the risks associated with the defects, but did not do anything to address the problems.
All companies that manufacture products for the public are required by law to ensure that they are safe for their intended use. They are also required to take reasonable and timely action when they know – or should know – of defects that create potential hazards. Victims injured in car accidents caused by defective auto parts – and families who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents – may have the right to recover compensation by holding automakers accountable.
If you have questions about product liability, auto part defects, or the personal injury claim process, a legal representative from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can give you answers. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, or anywhere in South Carolina, call 888-612-7001 today for a FREE case review.